Our ThedaStar Air Medical Program is staffed by highly trained flight nurses, paramedics, pilots, mechanics and dispatchers all working together to provide fast, reliable and quality care for your patient transfers. It’s a tall order to provide round-the-clock flying capability while ensuring the future financial viability of this highly regarded and demanded air ambulance service. To that end, within the next several months, ThedaStar flight crews will transition from a 24-hour work schedule to a 12-hour work schedule. ThedaStar will continue to be available on a 24/7/365 basis. This change allows ThedaStar more operations flexibility to leverage staff expertise so that we improve patient care, productivity and efficiency. What this means to you, our referring partners, is a re-commitment to better serve you and your patients now and well into the future.

From an equipment standpoint, the 2008 Airbus EC 135P2+ light twin-engine helicopter is not only one of the quietest in the world, but it has excellent maneuverability and technology that ensures a smooth flight with minimum vibration. The helicopter can carry a pilot, two medical personnel, one to two patients, plus one observer or passenger.

Overall, ThedaStar has an exemplary safety record. The helicopter has advanced satellite tracking to monitor aircraft position, air traffic, and weather so that every flight is a safe one. Pilots/flight crews have night-vision goggles for secure flying even in the dark.

Response Time

On average, it takes five to seven minutes from the time a call is received until lift off. Though flight times vary depending on distance and weather, the helicopter can often cover 25 miles in about 10 minutes. See the flight times and map for more information: